Finally got my 8ft tank. RTG tank mates?

[JsTO97]

So it took about 4.5 months but I finally got my 8ft * 3ft * 26inch custom tank. You may have seen my story of getting a 140g tank w this aro, e Plecos, 2 bass and a Datnoid. I had to give away/sell for super cheap to make room as he grew, but almost half a year later…. I do wish I still had those fish, but I don’t think it would have worked in a small tank. Fish is about 22 inches. The water level isn’t topped up yet cause I have a problem w the overflow that I need to fix. Should I tie up the roots or leave it like that? I feel like it creates a natural feature, but I also can see how the open water could help the Aro? He’s also lost like 4 scales, so hopefully he makes it after all this effort lol. Thanks for the input !

 

[Simonas]

Nice tank and RTG

I have with my asian aro, mini marble rays,gars, a kelberis, oscars, a datnoid with no issues

 

[yellowfinfmb]

I hate seeing asain arowana in a tank . you people make me sick, only because we can't have them in states . great looking fish

 

[stratos]

Looks good. I love pothos and monstera on top of an aro tank too

That's a lot of sand in your tank. Beware the build up of anaerobic bacteria deep in the sand. You will know if it happens if when you stir the gravel deeply bubbles rise to the surface. If that occurs, then your water quality is being negatively affected and your aro may begin to show chipped scales or worse. If it were me, I'd remove quite a bit of that sand.

 

[JsTO97]

That’s a good point on the sand. I was thinking of adding a more planted experience, but will remove some sand.

I found the monstera and pothos did a really god job keeping nitrates down, reducing the need for water changes as often in a 140g. I had to do weekly water changes before, then once he plants really established, it would take 3 weeks to reach the same level of nitrates. I used a few for bulbs to encourage the growth.

The monstera is actually happier than my wife’s potted plant. lol.

In was also thinking of finding some MTS snails to stir the sand. More to come.